By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

2nd Aug, 2023 | 4:30pm

Sources: Everton make approach to sign Southampton star Kamaldeen Sulemana

Everton have made contact with Southampton over a deal to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana, sources have told Football insider.

They have held conversations with the Saints over a potential loan for the upcoming season.

It is believed that it is still early in discussions and an agreement is still not close, but Everton are working on trying to secure a breakthrough as they look to strengthen their attack.

Everton were initially interested in Wilfried Gnonto, but Football Insider exclusively revealed on Wednesday (2 August) that Leeds are playing hardball over a deal.

There is no release clause to sign the winger, and it is now believed that Everton are also looking at alternative options if a deal falls through.

Sulemana  made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 last season but only two of those were starts and he scored one goal in those outings.

He would go on to make a £22million move to Southampton during the same campaign in January, where he also scored one goal.

The attacker joined Rennes from Nordsjælland in July 2021 and became the Danish league’s record export.

He made 20 appearances during his debut season in Ligue 1 and scored five goals in all competitions.

Gnonto’s contract at Elland Road runs until June 2027 after he joined from FC Zurich in 2022 for a reported fee of just under £4million.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Everton manager Sean Dyche sees Gnonto’s versatility as key to the Toffees’ survival next term.

Arnaut Danjuma and Ashley Young have already arrived at Goodison Park since the start of the summer window.

In other news, Everton could now swoop for West Ham star